Sure, people do stupid things on the Internet all the time. But before you dismiss this guide as a list only for bimbos and airheads, take a closer look.

You might already have done some of the things on this list without even realising that it is potentially harmful.
Don't wait till the repercussions come back to haunt you from cyberspace.

1. Talking too much about yourself

So you've got a new boyfriend, your dog's name is Greg. You have a younger sister in high school who annoys you like no one else does.

You just got a new car, and paid for it with your new credit card. Your birthday is on June 9 and you're 25 years old.

Right now, you live with your parents at Block 224 but really want to move out the moment you marry that cool guy from French class that you have a crush on.

Sounds normal? That's what everyone blogs about, or shares on Facebook, you argue.

That's true, but sharing so much information about yourself also opens you to malicious attacks by both real-world and cyber criminals alike.

For starters, someone can take over your online identity, and start posting things (racist, Satanist or pornographic blogs, anyone?) in your name.

If you're unlucky, cyber criminals might also be able to use your personal information to make unauthorised purchases with your credit card, or, gasp, withdraw funds from your bank account.

Sounds scary, it's happened, and I don't think anyone wanted to be a victim when they first gushed non-stop about themselves and their lives online.

The bottom line: Don't expect only yourself or your close friends to read your blog or Facebook page. Even with security features on, you'll never know if these features might lapse and expose your information to the world.